Baroque Workshop Apprenticeships 2026
The SFEMS Baroque Workshop is pleased to announce the return of its Apprenticeship Programs.
The 2026 workshop will explore music and musicians of 17th- and 18th-century London. Faculty will include David Wilson and Lindsey Strand-Polyak (violin/viola), Peter Sykes (keyboards), Jason Yoshida (lute, theorbo), Daniel Deitch (baroque bassoon) Erik Andersen (cello/viola da gamba), and Aki Nishiguchi (double reeds).
PERFORMANCE APPRENTICESHIP
Designed for developing players (age 18+) with some experience with baroque performance, the Performance Apprentice Program provides selected participants with access to faculty instruction, ensemble participation in chamber music and large ensembles, solo opportunities in Concerto Night, and beyond.
The Performance Apprentice Program is open to players of all bowed bass and plucked continuo instruments—including cello, viola da gamba, violone, harpsichord, guitar, theorbo, and harp—and, for 2026, SFEMS is expanding the program to include upper strings (violin and viola) as well as double reeds (oboe and bassoon). The SFEMS Baroque Workshop is a safe, supportive environment for asking questions, taking risks, and gaining experience and training in baroque music and historical practice.
PRODUCTION APPRENTICESHIP
For players and singers of ALL LEVELS (age 18+), SFEMS is also now accepting applications for its Production Apprentice track, open to players and singers of all levels of experience. This opportunity welcomes a broad range of participants to engage with the workshop’s production side while still being part of the vibrant artistic community. No recording is required to apply for this program, just a desire to dive in and learn.
At least one full tuition remission (full tuition is $1000) will be granted from each category (Upper Strings, Bowed Bass, Continuo, Double Reed, Production). All selected apprentices will receive at least partial tuition remission.
Applications are now open, with a deadline of 10:00 PM on May 10, 2026.
The 2026 Baroque Workshop promises another inspiring week of music-making, and SFEMS is excited to continue investing in the next generation of early music players through this program.
To Apply, click the button(s) below to go to a google form with questions, and instructions.
For tech help and general questions, email workshops@sfems.org.
For workshop-specific questions, email baroqueworkshop@sfems.org.